National Council press release

The 238th National Council of CONI met this afternoon at the Foro Italico to discuss the following agenda:

1) Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on December 18, 2014: approved unanimously.

2) President's communications: Malagò opened the proceedings by handing the Golden Star for sports merit to the journalist Tito Stagno, remembering the personalities of the sporting world that passed away during the first two months of the year and underlining the good results achieved by Italian athletes in the same period.The President then proceeded to remind the audience that the meetings of the Board and of the Council will be held in Milan for the entire duration of the EXPO 2015, along with a number of initiatives also linked to particularly relevant sporting events, intended to develop a synergy between this global event and the great family of CONI. Malagò simultaneously stressed that the Board will meet in March at CIP and on September 15 in Turin, European Capital of Sport 2015. The President then stated, regarding the ISTAT situation, that CONI is working to provide assistance to the Federations, co-operating with them to create the necessary conditions to face this year of transition in view of the binding legislative compliance. Malagò reiterated the announcement, made at the end of the previous Board meeting, regarding the appointment of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo as President of the Organizing Committee of Rome 2024, with Luca Pancalli as his Vice President, in respect of the agreement with the mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino. The Committee will be hosted in-house, located within CONI HQ, following the guidelines of the spending review, with the possibility of including a skilled female member in the team. Regarding Rio 2016, CONI is waiting for the formalization of the location of Casa Italia, while Baku will probably see the participation of about 300 athletes, with no participants for athletics, acrobatic gymnastics and sambo.

The President then recalled the importance of the agreement signed with NAS, expressing his pride for this turning point in the fight against doping shared with the government. The professionals within the bodies, previously appointed by CONI, will be from now on chosen through assessments also approved by the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council with Responsibility for Sports, Graziano Delrio, and the Minister of Health, Beatrice Lorenzin. Malagò also spoke about the joint board composed of Federations, Organizations and Disciplines to develop shared subjects. Finally, the President announced the signing of the new agreement between CONI and CONI Servizi, and praised the successful initiative linked to the exhibition of the Olympic Torches in Cosenza. The following people commented on the President’s repost: Alfio Giomi (Athletics), Romolo Rizzoli (Bowls), Bruno Molea (Representatives of Sport Promotion Organizations), Riccardo Viola (Representative of Regional Committees), and Ugo Claudio Matteoli (Sport Fishing).

3) F.S.N.-D.S.A.-E.P.S activities: the Council unanimously approved the following resolutions: integration of appointment of the Warranty Board (through the names of Giuseppe Albenzio, Alessandro Di Majo, Patrizia Ferrari, Angelo Piazza e Alfonso Picone), integration of standards of the Sports Justice Code and the Special Procedures Regulations on art.62bis of the Sports Justice Code and UEFA Licenses Arbitration Body Regulations. Having nothing else to discuss, the meeting was concluded at 16:20.

Anti-doping agreement with NAS presented. Malagò: "Italian NADO free from constraint"

The anti-doping framework agreement between CONI and NAS has been presented today in the Hall of Honor. The press conference was attended by the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, the Commanding General of the Carabinieri, Tullio Del Sette, the Commanding General of NAS, Cosimo Piccinno, and the Undersecretary to the President of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Sports, Graziano Delrio. The Secretary General of CONI, Roberto Fabbricini, and the Deputy Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, were also present. The Minister of Health, Beatrice Lorenzin, who was absent for personal reasons, sent a message of support for the initiative: "the institutions are unconditionally committed to provide a response that is adequate to the size and the complexity of the phenomenon, and this agreement precisely represents that effective, decisive response".

Undersecretary Delrio expressed the satisfaction of the Government towards the agreement. "I am happy to be here, because this is an initiative of the utmost importance: it is an important step to promote transparency and legality, in a direction that has always been supported by the government. Clean sport is also educative sport: we were already a centre of excellence, and with this agreement, we are even better. The CONI has made great strides in fighting doping. The introduction of this new, independent figure gives strength to the project and ensures an autonomy that was missing before this significant change of pace".

The Commanding General of the Carabinieri, Tullio Del Sette, broadened the concept: "This is an important goal in terms of transparency in sports. The NAS, the Department for the protection of health, is an international centre of excellence. The fact that they have been chosen as a guarantee structure in the fight against doping inspires us to move forward in implementing human and professional resources to pursue this path. The NAS, along with the anti-doping section of CONI, will work to prevent and suppress malfeasance, not only in competitive sport but also at amateur level. We will carry out checks as part of a comprehensive monitoring, in compliance with the WADA standards".

The President, Malagò, thanked the Carabinieri and the NAS for their fruitful work which led to the reaching of this agreement: "I mentioned a turning point, even if someone thought of it as mere window dressing or the saving of a system that – again, according to some – needed to be dismantled. Transparency, commitment and credibility are the main themes of every initiative carried out by CONI in the fight against doping. We do not need proclamations, tricks or shortcuts. We want results for the good of sports, and we want to reach them through professionalism and competence. The NAS is an inspiration both in Italy and around the world. This agreement is the first step for operational cooperation. Our idea to involve NAS was born from the existing situation, which is certainly not devoid of problems, and from the need to improve the anti-doping system, making it "free" from any perceived influence, even theoretically, of CONI. The term of this agreement, which the relevant Ministries already share, will coincide with the Olympic mandate and will greatly improve the fight against doping. Therefore, one of the key objectives is the transition to a substantial autonomy of Italian NADO, free from any form of conditioning".

The Commanding General of the NAS, Cosimo Piccinno, stated: "With the signing of this agreement the Corp of the Carabinieri assumes the role of institutional partner, embarking on a complex and delicate journey aimed at creating a more independent NADO structure inside the CONI, built on models accredited by WADA in a context of mutual, loyal and proactive cooperation. The reorganization will allow for targeted doping controls, with the direct involvement of previously trained NAS military personnel, by analogy with the meritorious activities brought out together with the Doping Supervisory Commission of the Ministry of Health, in order to substantially increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a struggle to counter the illicit use of banned substances and prohibited practices, and to improve the health of the athletes and the ethics of sports." The President then proceeded to specify that the agreements between CONI and NAS will be made active within 90 days through the relative implementation procedures.

Baku 2015 on track to deliver fantastic event, says EOC

Baku 2015 European Games and the European Olympic Committees (EOC) today concluded the final visit by the EOC Coordination Commission, a high-level body of delegates charged with overseeing progress towards the inaugural European Games, to be held this summer in Azerbaijan’s capital city. Commission members received a full briefing on preparations by each Baku 2015 directorate. In addition, they took a tour along the Games Route Network and visited venues including the Baku Shooting Centre, Mountain Bike Velopark, Heydar Aliyev Arena, and a drive-by of the European Games Park.

They also attended the opening ceremony of the Baku 2015 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre, where participants in the Nar Mobile-supported Flamekeeper volunteer programme will register and collect their uniforms.

Mr Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Chief Executive Officer of Baku 2015, said: “We now have a little more than four months until the Opening Ceremony. There remains much to do, but the momentum we have built will not falter for a second. “We will spare no effort in ensuring that the first European Games are an inspirational celebration of sport and friendship for the whole continent”.

EOC members praised the impressive progress which has been made since Baku was awarded the right to host the Games in December 2012. Mr Patrick Hickey, President of the European Olympic Committees, said: “This EOC visit to Baku ahead of the first European Games has confirmed that the city is fully prepared to host an unforgettable event. To have achieved so much in two years is a testament to Azerbaijan’s dedication to hosting the Games, and Europe’s athletes and sport fans will be delighted with the high standard of venues and facilities which await them. Baku 2015 will be the perfect launch-pad for the European Games”.

Mr Spyros Capralos, Chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission, added: “Baku 2015 is on track to deliver an outstanding inaugural European Games. BEGOC is entering the final phase of preparations now, and every day counts. But they have delivered on all their construction targets so far and I am very confident that Baku will be ready in good time. In addition, these Games will be innovative, which will act as a great blueprint to guide future European Games host cities. I am very much looking forward to coming back in June for the Baku 2015 Opening Ceremony". Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “With 126 days to go before the start of the European Games, we are now entering the final straight, and the visit by the EOC Coordination Commission has been an excellent opportunity to update members on our progress and take stock of what we have achieved so far. “The Games will be a historic occasion for Azerbaijan and Europe, and we intend to continue working hard to deliver on our commitment to stage a world-class event until the very last guest leaves after the Closing Ceremony”.

Carolina Kostner’s case, communication of the National Anti-Doping Court on the grounds of the ruling

The Second Chamber of the National Anti-Doping Court has filed today the motivations for its judgment rendered on January 16, 2015 by which Carolina Kostner was disqualified for one year and two months. The athlete was held responsible of helping Alex Schwazer avoiding a doping test, and therefore of committing unlawful action as provided in art. 2.9 of current rules, but was also acquitted of not having denounced her then boyfriend for his meetings with Dr Michele Ferrari.

In the motivations filed today, the National Anti-Doping Court has stressed that Carolina Kostner has not undertaken any action that would associate her to any doping practice, nor covered Schwazer in his taking illegal substances. The athlete, however, was convicted of having consciously lied to the officer in charge of taking blood samples when he showed up in Oberstdorf to test Schwazer on July 30, 2012. The art. 2.9 of current NSA punishes the assistance in any violation of anti-doping norms, not only in taking any illegal substance (art. 2.1 or 2.2 of the NSA) but also in avoiding a test (art. 2.3 NSA). Furthermore, the diversity of subject in the violation does not devoid the act of its seriousness: conducting spot-checks outside a competitive context is essential for an effective contrast of doping.

At the same time, the National Anti-Doping Court considered that the behavior of Carolina Kostner was influenced by several factors, thus lessening the degree of her guilt. Among those elements, the National Anti-Doping Court has emphasized the fact that the athlete acted on a request made by the person she loved; the sudden nature of the request, which required an immediate answer; the absence of elements that would suggest that the behaviour of the athlete was predetermined; the fact that the athlete took immediate steps to ensure that Schwazer could reach the place of the test; and the fact that the athlete, while aware of her assistance in avoiding the test, did not know that Schwazer was using banned substances. These elements justified the reduction of a two-year sanction to one year and four months, based on a standard that allows the maximum reduction to a ban of one year. It is now possible for the athlete, but also for UPA and WADA, to file an appeal to TAS against the ruling of the National Anti-Doping Court.

Playoff finals, Italy national women's football team will aim for World qualification against Netherlands in Verona tomorrow

Ninety minutes to secure a place at Canada 2015 and play in the final stage of a World Cup again, fifteen years after USA '99. Tomorrow at 20:30 at the "Bentegodi" Stadium in Verona the national women's football team faces the Netherlands in the second leg of the finals of the World playoffs. The Federal President, Carlo Tavecchio, and the new President of the National Amateur League, Felice Belloli, will also attend the match and will cheer on the “Azzurre” in a match that will have a particular flavour for the four girls who play in AGSM Verona: Patrizia Panico, Melania Gabbiadini, Cecilia Salvai and Federica Di Criscio.

The first leg ended 1-1 thanks to a beautiful goal scored by Melania Gabbiadini: "The audience must cheer and support us with everything they've got – this is the call of the forward - because anything could happen after our draw at The Hague". Italy will rely on the experience of Patrizia Panico, that can boast more than 200 appearances in the National team: "We expect a tough game from the competitive point of view – she warns - they will surely begin to press on the accelerator immediately and we will have to be careful not to repeat the same mistakes of the first leg. We will have to fight for every ball as if it were our last".

Experience is essential, but to be able to fly to Canada we will also need a good dose of enthusiasm. Like the enthusiasm of Cecilia Salvai and Federica Di Criscio, both born in 1993, the present and future of the Italian defence: "This time - emphasizes Salvai - we have the advantage of playing at home. We want to win, to score first, even more than one goal. We will not simply defend the previous draw." "The Netherlands - reiterates Di Criscio - is a very strong team. We will have to take the field while being aware of our strength, believe in it, and play to win."

Presented the book "L'Oro di Scampia", the story of Giovanni Maddaloni. Malagò: "A giant in life"

A ray of sun that makes its way through the clouds of negativity and prejudice, to contrast degradation and violence with the example promoted by a meeting place dedicated to sport. The scenario outlined in the passionate pages of "L'Oro di Scampia", the autobiographical book written by Giovanni Maddaloni in collaboration with Marco Caiazzo, tells the incredible stories of lives and activities that revolve around the judo gym managed by the "Master", that offers free classes to all the underprivileged children of the district of Vele.

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, wanted to attend the event, held at the Hall of Honor in the presence - among others – of the President of FIJLKAM, Domenico Falcone, and Mrs. Marina, widow of the historic President of the Federation, Matteo Pellicone.The brief discussion was moderated by the Director of Rai Sport, Carlo Paris, with the participation of the author's son, Giuseppe Maddaloni, Olympian in Sydney (2000), of Vincenzo D'Onofrio, Public Prosecutor of the Anti-Mafia District Directorate of Naples, and Monsignor Andrea Celli, Director of the Legal Office of the Vicariate of Rome.

Malagò, who visited that same gym in Scampia during one of the first public appearances as President of CONI, wanted to address his sincere encouragement to Maddaloni. "Maddaloni is a quite unique example of a person who, as a bastion against the degradation and lawlessness, received the gift of having a child who won an Olympic gold medal. Giovanni is a giant, he knows how much I care about him and I am glad that through this book he was able to tell a wide audience all those stories that have characterized his work in recent years. We will meet Matteo Renzi together a few minutes before the Golden Collars: the Prime Minister specifically asked for this, because he understood that we are talking about a man who deserves special attention."

He, the master, thanks affectionately. "In this book are my dreams, my sufferings, my social and sporting victories. I would like to thank President Malagò, a good person who has always helped me. I told him about my project of the Citadel of Sports in Scampia. It is my dream, and thanks to God, it will soon be created. We are experiencing a moment in which good people are taking over. I understood it after the election of Pope Francis." His son, Pino, argues with sincerity: "My father was always told he was a fool. Local politicians and friends never took him seriously, but now we are here, at CONI. I hope his citadel of sport becomes a reality as it will help many kids to take the right path." The event was also attended by the former mayor of Naples and President of the Campania Region, Antonio Bassolino.

Conference about doping in the Hall of Honor on December 2

On December 2, 2014, in the Hall of Honour of CONI, the conference "Fight against Doping: specific regulations and enforcement strategies. Legal and operational aspects" will be held. The work, divided into two sessions, will begin at 10 am and will be opened by a personal greeting from the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò. The morning debate - focused on the present and future doping regulations and on its law enforcement - will be chaired by the Secretary General Vicar of CONI, Carlo Mornati, while the Secretary-General, Roberto Fabbricini, will coordinate the work in the afternoon, that will focus on the themes of doping related control measures and duties of the athletes.

Bronze sculptures by Bellini in Stadio dei Marmi restored. Malagò and Miglietta "Proud of this operation"

Following the conclusion of their restoration, the two large bronze sculptures of wrestlers by Aroldo Bellini located on the stands of Stadio dei Marmi were presented this afternoon right in the stadium. The conservation intervention was logistically curated by Coni Servizi and was realized thanks to the cooperation between the Soprintendenza Speciale PSAE and Polo Museale of the city of Rome [Special Superintendence for the Historical, Artistic and Ethno-Anthropological Heritage and the Museums of Rome] and the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro [Superior Institute for Conservation and Restoration], which also funded the intervention aimed to improve the poor conditions of the two sculptures, mainly caused by the corrosion of bronze and the alteration of protective coatings.

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, attended the event with the CEO of Coni Servizi, Alberto Miglietta, and the representatives of the other institutions involved. In two months of work (July and September), the technicians of the ISCR worksite school carried out a methodology of action specifically required to remove atmospheric deposits, black crusts and green corrosion spots, as well as numerous man-made damages such as graffiti.

Malagò, who was invited to unveil the bronze sculpture depicting Greco-Roman Wrestling and then the one representing Freestyle Wrestling, asked the students of the ISCR, the President of the FCI, Renato Di Rocco, and the President of the Italian Fair Play Committee, Ruggero Alcanterini, to join him during the revealing. "We are proud of this intervention that shows how CONI does not worry about winning medals only, but is also committed to developing a range of social intervention, showing a remarkable sensitivity also on the issue of the enhancement of Parco del Foro Italico".

On the other hand, technical and formal details of this important initiative were analyzed at Circolo del Tennis. The CEO of Coni Servizi, Alberto Miglietta, hosted the meeting and expressed the satisfaction of his company on this intervention, which gives prestige to Italian sport. "This shows how public structures such as CONI, Coni Servizi, Soprintendenza Speciale PSAE and Polo Museale of the city of Rome and the ISCR can create a synergy to enact extraordinary actions as the restoration of these masterpieces by Bellini". Miglietta, who also praised the work of Paolo Pedrinelli of Beni Storici Coni Servizi, proceeded then to reward each student of the ISCR worksite school (Giacomo, Martina, Silvia, Fiamma e Giulia) with an Italian Olympic Team EA7 shirt.

Daniela Porro, Superintendent of the Soprintendenza Speciale PSAE and Polo Museale of the city of Rome, illustrated the interventions planned for the coming years in Parco del Foro Italico, starting with the restoration of the bronze sculptures. "We welcome the recovery of this work, a sculpture made in 1932 by the great artist Bellini, as a symbol of operational tutelage of the action brought forth in Parco del Foro Italico". The Officer Art Historian for the Soprintendenza Speciale, Adriana Capriotti, also attended the meeting. The Director of ISCR, Gisella Capponi, explained the stages of the operation. "When we received this request we welcomed it hesitantly due to the limited time and the conditions of the statues. We are pleased with the results and the second year students' work". The ISCR were also represented by the supervisors Laura D’Agostino and Donatella Cavezzali, together with the professors Vilma Basilissi and Paola Donati, who illustrated the technical aspects of the intervention explaining its various stages.

Protocol on youth employment: sport provides perspectives to the country

CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Labour and Social Policies Minister Giuliano Poletti have signed this morning by the Ministry seat an agreement protocol for the promotion of actions with the aim of favoring youth employment in the frame of a National plan for the 'Garanzia per i Giovani" ("Guarantee for Youth").

The agreement has the aim of defining a collaboration frame with the action of Government, regions and other public administration authorities involved through activities oriented towards the application of the program using local seats as places where spreading information and the contribution to the development of any mid-term prediction of professional positions requested in the sport world.

CONI undertakes to communicate information on measures and actions foreseen in the "Garanzia Giovani" program involving its own territorial facilities which could favor the approach and access of young people to the world of labour through the coordinating action of CONI Regional Committees of all the local bodies dealing with sport; it also undertakes to promote the oublication of job, apprentiship and internship offers. The protocol includes specific actions in the field of internships and apprentiships. As far as internship is concerned, CONI will promote its use through its local bodies, in order to spread such instrument by the sport organizations recognized by CONI.

President Malagò has exalted the potential of sport to provide new employment perspectives. "Differently from other firms in the country, which do not seem to have particular projects to me, we have initiatives everywhere. We don' say that all of them will be carried out until the end, but only having people with the intention to buy plots of land in order to build gymnasiums and sport centres, I think this is a positive thing. Sport has nowadays the huge responsibility not only of winning medals but also of contributing to the support of the country and the Government in the fight against unemployment".​

Test event towards Rio 2016, Olympic classes in Brazil

Olympic sailing has arrived in Brazil, in the Rio de Janeiro bay, for the Aquece Rio-International Sailing Regatta 2014, the test event dedicated to the ten Olympic classes scheduled from tomorrow, Sunday the 3th of August, until Saturday the 9th, with a logistic base in Marina da Gloria and regattas scheduled in the same regatta fields that will host the sailing competitions during the next Olympic Games in 2016.  Five Italian saling National team athletes are present, lead by Technical Director Michele Marchesini, together with the Federal feminin RS:X windsurf technician Adriano Stella, competing in this occasion which is gathering in Rio 320 sailors representing 34 nations, with most of the best exponent of the Olympic classes attending: Flavia Tartaglini and Laura Linares (RS:X F), Marcantonio Baglione (RS:X M), Francesco Marrai (Laser Standard) and Giorgio Poggi (Finn). The regattas for RS:X and single Finn will start tomorrow, having thus from the start four Italian athletes competing. This is the program per class (distributed on the 5 regatta fields): RS:X M (3-7 August, 12 competitions + Medal), RS:X F (3-7 August, 12 competitions + Medal), Laser Standard (4-9 August, 10 competitions + Medal), Laser Radial (4-9 August, 10 competitions + Medal), Finn (3-8 August, 10 competitions + Medal),
470 M (4-9 August, 10 competitions + Medal), 470 F (4-9 August, 10 competitions + Medal), 49er (4-8 August, 12 competitions + 3 Medal), 49er FX (4-8 August, 12 competitions + 3 Medal) and Nacra 17 (4-8 August, 12 competitions + Medal).

"The guys are healthy and have overcome the effects of jet lag," Technical Director Michele Marchesini has declared. "They have been training in the next few days and they have started to get to know the Rio bay. The meteorological and sea conditions are very good, a southerly breeze has been blowing into the bay regularly for ten days with a speed of between 8 and 14 nodes. Out of the bay, in Niteroi and Copacabana fields, the long wave of the oceanic swell is present, while inside the bay the waves are short.In exchange, there is a lot of sea current, particularly around the Ponte field, and the
problem of the bay pollution, already highlighted in the past, is still present. Our guys are all very concentrated, we have an optimal logistic situation (the only nation, together with Japan, to stay near the Marina da Gloria) and have a great desire to give the best we can," Marchesini concluded, "even if the priority of this transfer is to gather useful data in view of the Rio Games and the study of the regatta fields."​